Established 2004

Ruddlesden geotechnical

Ruddlesden geotechnical provides ground investigation, geotechnical consultancy and contamination assessment services.

Based in Exeter, but covering the whole of the UK, albeit primarily concentrated in the South West, Ruddlesden geotechnical was formed in 2004.

Ruddlesden geotechnical works on behalf of a wide client base, including local, regional and national housing developers, housing associations, commercial developers, building contractors, structural and civil engineers, architects, building consultants, quantity surveyors, local authorities and private individuals.

Development projects range from single dwellings and extensions to large housing estates, multi-storey flats, offices, industrial units, roads, slopes, schools, hospitals and basements.

The services and projects listed on this web-site provide an indication of those undertaken by Ruddlesden geotechnical, but others are carried out. If your requirement is not readily identifiable on this web-site, please contact us as we may still be able to help you.

  • AGS
  • Constructionline
  • CSCS
  • SMAS
  • ECFC trust
  • Latest news

    20 Oct 2026

    Creative geotechnical photography

    Inspired by her surroundings at RHS Rosemoor, where she was carrying out the ground investigation for a new educational facility, and with one eye on the Ruddlesden geotechnical site photograph of the year competition, Catherine Greed got creative with her site photography recently, framing the dynamic sampling rig within the last of the summer flowers.

    Creative geotechnical photography
  • Recent projects

    Materials Management Plan Avoids Unnecessary Landfill Disposal

    Ruddlesden geotechnical produced a Materials Management Plan (MMP) in accordance with CL:AIRE Definition of Waste (DoW): Code of Practice (CoP) for the movement of topsoil from a greenfield site undergoing development near Exeter (donor site), to a new visitor centre on the Jurassic Coast (receiver site). The production of the MMP ensured that good quality topsoil was not unnecessarily taken to landfill and certified that the topsoil was of sufficient quality and suitable for use to be placed in the areas of public open space surrounding the visitor centre. The liaison between Ruddlesden geotechnical, the client, the donor site, the haulage contractor and the Environment Agency were key to ensure that the MMP was in place in a timely manner, prior to material movements. Following the movement of the topsoil, a validation report was produced to demonstrate that the material movements had taken place in accordance with the MMP, to the satisfaction of the Environment Agency.

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  • Recent projects

    Dynamic Sampling was Preferred Method of Investigation in Devon

    Dynamic sampling (windowless sample boreholes) was utilised in a scheme of works for the proposed stabilisation and reinstatement of a quay wall. This was the preferred method for the initial geotechnical investigation at this site, as they allowed representative samples of the near surface soils to be obtained, facilitated Standard Penetration Tests (SPTs) and were able to be progressed down to depths of 6m-8m to determine the presence of engineering rock-head, all whilst keeping site disturbance and the areal extent of the site works to a minimum, allowing the adjacent car park to be in continued use without the need for closure. On completion of the ground investigation, the boreholes were either installed with monitoring wells, to facilitate long-term groundwater and/ or ground gas monitoring, or backfilled with natural arisings prior to reinstatement.

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